Obamacare will change the way Multnomah County pays for jail inmates' medical treatment

National jail standards require governing bodies to provide healthcare for inmates. Historically, the cost has fallen upon the local government running the jail.

Oregon's Multnomah County pays to provide mental health, dental, and medical care to 35,000 inmates yearly, at a cost of $15.7 million to the county, county spokeswoman Julie Sullivan said.

The county's corrections health care team has begun a push to enroll jail inmates in Medicaid or other forms of coverage. Seven "eligibility specialists" began working this week to help inmates complete their insurance applications, and they signed 22 inmates up for continuing care during their first day on the job.

County health officials say they hope to create a "warm handoff" from in-custody care to civilian care. Often, uninsured inmates who can't afford medical bills forego treatment once they are released from jail.

Wow.... just think about the money local jails and prisons across the U.S. can save by enrolling inmates on Obamacare and it won't cost the prisoners a dime ........... is this a great country or what?